While White Sox fans find a leadoff man and the 1999 all-star team under their tree and Cub fans find Milton Bradley's suitcase under their tree and Hawk fans find the best record in the Western Conference in their stocking, it appears Bears fans will find a rock.

Lovie's butt may have been saved by the prospect of a players strike or lockout which may alter the reality of the league next year (remember the replacement games in 1987?) 

It may also be true that like Ron Zook at Illinois, Smith will be given one final last chance next year if he makes severe changes in his coaching staff.  This would thankfully end the Ron Turner era and perhaps the tenure of Smith's BFF Bob Babich.

It seems Bears management will act tentative in dealing with the situation rather than do the right thing and take him out.  Or, perhaps they are just circling the wagons and acting in denial mode for the time being until after the season when they can "do an evaluation."  Hopefully, they will find a reason to dump Lovie instead of eleven million reasons to keep him.